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Relapse of Schizophrenia
Overview
Preventing a relapse
When you have schizophrenia, your symptoms can sometimes come back. This is called a relapse. There are things you can do to help prevent a relapse.
- Be active in your own recovery.
Work with your doctor and take care of yourself.
- Take your medicine, even if you're feeling better.
Not taking medicine is the main cause of relapse.
- Talk to your doctor about your medicines.
If side effects are making your life hard, talk with your doctor to see whether you can try a different medicine. Your doctor may be able to change the medicine or how much you take.
- Stay in counseling or therapy.
Go to your sessions, and continue with your recovery plan.
- Get support from family.
If your doctor recommends family therapy, be sure to have all family members attend each session.
- Join a self-help or support group.
Self-help and support groups are usually run by the members of the group, not health professionals.
- Find ways to reduce stress in your life.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.
- Learn how to recognize the first signs of relapse.
Have a plan for what you'll do when you notice signs, and get help right away. Common signs of relapse include:
- Staying away from or not being interested in other people.
- Forgetting things.
- Having problems concentrating.
- Daydreaming.
- Not paying attention to what is going on.
Relapse action plan
An action plan says in writing what you can do to help prevent a relapse of schizophrenia and what you need to do if you have signs of a relapse. You will need the help of others to get through a relapse.
An action plan also lists the general signs of a relapse and those that may be special to you.
- Write down the common signs of a relapse. They include:
- Staying away from or not being interested in other people.
- Forgetting things.
- Having problems concentrating.
- Daydreaming.
- Not paying attention to what is going on.
- Work with your doctor to find out if you have any special relapse signs.
An action plan lists things that need to be taken care of during a relapse. Think about:
- Who will take care of your children if you have any.
- Who will manage your money and finances.
- Which hospital or other facility you'd like to go to.
- Who to tell if you have a relapse.
Action plans also can include legal documents. Write these when you have few or no symptoms, and ask your doctor and lawyer to help you.
- An advance directive tells your wishes for treatment during a relapse. It can be very useful if you have severe symptoms of fear or suspicion of others during a relapse.
- A durable power of attorney says who will be in charge of making decisions when you can't decide things yourself. This document is very helpful if you refuse treatment during a relapse when you would otherwise accept it.
- A power of attorney lets you choose someone to help you deal with money during a relapse. Find someone you trust to co-sign financial documents, such as credit card applications or mortgages, to protect yourself financially while you are having a relapse.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
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Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
